News

Giants’ Eli Manning accused of selling fake memorabilia

SUPER FAKES?: New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, accompanied by team co-owner Steve Tisch, second from right, stops to sign autographs before ringing the New York Stock Exchange closing bell, Thursday, Jan. 30. Photo: Associated Press

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A sports memorabilia collector in New Jersey is accusing members of the NFL’s New York Giants of engaging in a scam to sell fake “game-worn” equipment for profit.

Eric Inselberg of Short Hills filed suit in Bergen County Superior Court on Wednesday against quarterback Eli Manning, Giants owner John Mara and others for allegedly doctoring jerseys, helmets and other equipment to make it look as though they had been used during play.

Manning and the Giants issued statements saying the suit is without merit and they planned to fight it.

Inselberg was among a group of memorabilia dealers accused of selling counterfeit jerseys following an FBI sting.

The Justice Department case against Inselberg was dropped. He says in court papers he wants the Giants held accountable for the lies that led to his indictment and ruined his business.